[stevep]

I just rebuilt a Slim Jim for a 64 Olds and the guy is going to spend well over 3 grand installed. Do yourself and you car a favor and put a 400 in it.
We rebuild a lot of classic transmissions, but in my opinion converting to a 400 is a selling point.

[U47]

Originally Posted by stevep

I just rebuilt a Slim Jim for a 64 Olds and the guy is going to spend well over 3 grand installed. Do yourself and you car a favor and put a 400 in it.
We rebuild a lot of classic transmissions, but in my opinion converting to a 400 is a selling point.

Not many shops have the required tools to rebuild a Roto. When you say you rebuilt a Roto for a 64 Olds does that mean you replaced the EIGHT thrust bearings and thrust washers, Check all specifications on all the FORTY springs, check, replace the sprag and roller clutches, Plus the usual neutral clutch plates, front clutch plates. gaskets/"O" rings?

BTW , Just look at the planetary gears in D type HydraMatic, Super HydraMatic, Roto HydraMatic compared to 2004R or 700R4 side by side & only then you will know the latter transmissions are not designed for the HP and weight of a 4,000+ lb. car.

Why does Roto feel like there is a big ratio between 2nd range and 3rd range? It feels this way because in 3rd range the coupling is empty and the trans is in full mechanical connection so... there is no fluid cushion from 2nd and 3rd ranges. If you are careful you can adjust this inconvenience out. Why is there a lazy 3rd to 4th range shift? The fluid coupling drains 3rd range and fills 4th range in 4 tenths of a second. There are ways to speed this up by playing with the valves, playing with the pressure regulator valve and a few other tricks.

BTW, look at the A/SA 1963 Nationals at Indy winner. A 63 426 wedge Plymouth wagon with a 727 Torqueflight against a 62 Catalina. You will notice both cars come out of the whole about even, but when the Catalina gets into 3rd range ( 2nd gear) and is in full mechanical connection it jumps and pulls away from the Plymouth and so on for the win.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jQsd1fZV8k

FYI, HydraMatic, Dual Coupling HydraMatic(, Cadillac calls 315 HydraMatic , Pontiac calls Super HydraMatic, Olds calls Jetaway) and Roto HydraMatic all these transmissions have split torque and in Roto HydraMatic's case it means when the trans is in 4th range ( 3rd Gear) only the coupling only handles 40% of the engine torque and the rest 60% is in mechanical connection. This means all three hydros in high gear are more efficient than T400 or any trans without a lock up torque converter.

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by U47

Not many shops have the required tools to rebuild a Roto. When you say you rebuilt a Roto for a 64 Olds does that mean you replaced the EIGHT thrust bearings and thrust washers, Check all specifications on all the FORTY springs, check, replace the sprag and roller clutches, Plus the usual neutral clutch plates, front clutch plates. gaskets/"O" rings?

I'd guess that out of anyone who has responded to this thread, Steve is the one person who would really know how to rebuild one of these things.

[codyyy]

Originally Posted by Stuart

I'd guess that out of anyone who has responded to this thread, Steve is the one person who would really know how to rebuild one of these things.

Looks like it. I debated rebuilding this myself but I'd have a headache if something went wrong. I doubt any shops near me can rebuild it either, usually with this technology it is an older guy or an enthusiast, not an advertised transmission shop that does it.

[Poncho60]

But your 61 SChief does not have the Roto trans if the trans is original. It should be the Super Hydro which is a he!! of a lot better unit (imo).

[codyyy]

Originally Posted by Poncho60

But your 61 SChief does not have the Roto trans if the trans is original. It should be the Super Hydro which is a he!! of a lot better unit (imo).

I often get the two mixed up, I do have the Super Hydro.

[hurryinhoosier62]

Originally Posted by Poncho60

But your 61 SChief does not have the Roto trans if the trans is original. It should be the Super Hydro which is a he!! of a lot better unit (imo).

Super Hydro IS a better transmission than the Roto (Slim JIm). The problem is finding anyone who is familiar with them.

[Jeffs64Cat]

Originally Posted by codyyy

Looks like it. I debated rebuilding this myself but I'd have a headache if something went wrong. I doubt any shops near me can rebuild it either, usually with this technology it is an older guy or an enthusiast, not an advertised transmission shop that does it.

My father at 72 now tells me he can't believe how well the slim Jim works in my 64 Cat. He was a owner of three transmission shops and the Master rebuilder for many as I was growing up. He said they're a monster when working right but to get them there was fun. His shops is where I learned to work on my own stuff.

[U47]

Originally Posted by Stuart

I'd guess that out of anyone who has responded to this thread, Steve is the one person who would really know how to rebuild one of these things.

That's why I asked the question about all the parts and measuring, plus the 40 springs that need to have their tensions measured. The thrust bearings and washers, springs etc. are not in a master rebuilding kit, neither are the sprag and roller clutches.. There are 27 special tools for this trans so does he have them?
My question was does he have all these things?? Measuring devises, spring scale, parts access to thrust washers, and thrust bearings, springs, roller clutch, sprag clutch. Pump etc.
There was no response.

[lilabner]

Originally Posted by U47

That's why I asked the question about all the parts and measuring, plus the 40 springs that need to have their tensions measured. The thrust bearings and washers, springs etc. are not in a master rebuilding kit, neither are the sprag and roller clutches.. There are 27 special tools for this trans so does he have them?
My question was does he have all these things?? Measuring devises, spring scale, parts access to thrust washers, and thrust bearings, springs, roller clutch, sprag clutch. Pump etc.
There was no response.

It's not as hard to rebuild as it is to find the parts for it or to adjust the throttle pressure. You have to be do some research and find all the updates. I found a Motors Automatic Transmission Manual 5th edition that had the updates. Then after some more reading I bought this book considered to be the Bible of secrets and tricks.

http://transgo.com/products.php?cat=...&parent_id=167